Asian and Caribbean upsets, tight battles in South America and a first-ever win for American Samoa were among the latest qualifying tales as the race for Brazil 2014 heated up.
FIFA.com reviews the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying in Asia, which saw the traditional favourites take an advantage over their underdog opponents.
It's just over a week before the second round of AFC candidates challenge for a place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ draw, and old rivals Malaysia and Singapore look set to provide the most personal tie.
The first round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil has been completed, seeing a barrel-load of goals scored around Asia, with the likes of big-guns Vietnam being joined by first-time qualifiers Philippines.
Asia's FIFA World Cup preliminaries have been decided,
with the continent's big five set to start with home fixtures
against the groups' underdogs.
The Asian confederation has produced more than its fair share of joy and drama in FIFA World Cup qualifying down through the years.
